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New multi-pitch 5.12 sport routes in Northern Ontario

The Riverside Wall in Algoma saw more development in summer and fall

The much discussed overhanging wall on the right side of one of Ontario’s most developed multi-pitch sport crags, Riverside, in Algoma has received its first route.

The married team of active developers on the crag, Mark Hurst and Cynthia Chung climbed Rising Ape, a four-pitch 5.11a to a fifth pitch called Falling Angel 5.11d/5.12a which ends at the rim, after what Hurst called, “a long gestation period.”

The roadside cliff is now home to almost 20 bolted multi-pitch lines, with an active community of developers from Toronto, Barrie, Collingwood and Sault Ste. Marie. Hurst and Chung’s route joins Super Nova, The Serpent and Mango Haze as new multi-pitch offerings this season in the 5.12- range.

Outstanding single pitch routes, like Time’s Arrow at the Fortress and the new Algoma Gold are clocking in at the same grade of 5.11, making a visit to the area even more attractive. Gripped will be publishing a guide to the area in time for the spring climbing season.

Mark Hurst on Rising Ape. Photo by Cynthia Chung

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